Device group management via information processing apparatus, method, and program

ABSTRACT

An information processing apparatus includes a detection unit, an acceptance unit, and an image control unit. The detection unit is capable of detecting whether or not each of a plurality of reproduction apparatuses constitutes a group related to reproduction of content, each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses being connected to a network, each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses being capable of reproducing the content. The acceptance unit accepts a user operation related to constitution of the group. The image control unit outputs a group state image based on a detection result by the detection unit, the group state image representing a constitution state of the group, the group state image including an image of each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses, and controls the group state image in response to the accepted user operation related to constitution of the group.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.17/032,487, filed Sep. 25, 2020, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 15/526,508 (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,809,903), filedMay 12, 2017, which is a 371 of International applicationPCT/JP2015/005362, filed Oct. 26, 2015 and claims priority from Japanesepatent application 2014-264590, filed Dec. 26, 2014, the entire contentsof each of the above-listed applications are incorporated herein byreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology relates to an information processing apparatus,an information processing method, and a program for controlling areproduction apparatus connected to a network.

BACKGROUND ART

A system in which a home network is established in a house and contentsuch as music and video is reproduced by a plurality of AV (Audio &Visual) apparatuses connected thereto has been known. For example, inPatent Literature 1, a system in which a plurality of AV apparatusesplaced in a plurality of rooms are connected to an IEEE (Institute ofElectrical and Electronics Engineers) 1394 network is disclosed. In thissystem, groups are defined corresponding to the rooms in which the AVapparatuses are placed, and the corresponding AV apparatus is displayedfor each group on a display screen of an IR (Infrared) remotecontroller. Accordingly, the selection work of the AV apparatus is mademore efficient (e.g., paragraphs 0033 to 0035 of the specification ofPatent Literature 1).

CITATION LIST Patent Literature

Patent Literature 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-open No.2002-199474

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION Technical Problem

In the above-mentioned system, a technology that is capable ofcontrolling reproduction of content by a plurality of reproductionapparatuses connected to a network with a good operability is desired.

In view of the circumstances as described above, it is an object of thepresent technology to provide an information processing apparatus, aninformation processing method, and a program that are capable ofcontrolling reproduction of content by a plurality of reproductionapparatuses connected to a network with a good operability.

Solution to Problem

In order to achieve the above-mentioned object, an informationprocessing apparatus according to an embodiment of the presenttechnology includes a detection unit, an acceptance unit, and an imagecontrol unit.

The detection unit is capable of detecting whether or not each of aplurality of reproduction apparatuses constitutes a group related toreproduction of content, each of the plurality of reproductionapparatuses being connected to a network, each of the plurality ofreproduction apparatuses being capable of reproducing the content.

The acceptance unit accepts a user operation related to constitution ofthe group.

The image control unit outputs a group state image on the basis of adetection result by the detection unit, the group state imagerepresenting a constitution state of the group, the group state imageincluding an image of each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses,and controls the group state image in response to the accepted useroperation related to constitution of the group.

In this information processing apparatus, whether or not each of aplurality of reproduction apparatuses connected to a network constitutesa group is detected. A group state image including an image of each ofthe plurality of reproduction apparatuses is output on the basis of adetection result, and the group state image is controlled in response toa user operation. Accordingly, the user is capable of controllingreproduction of content with a good operability while watching the groupstate image.

The image control unit may display, when a reproduction apparatusconstituting the group is detected, an image of the group including thereproduction apparatus in the group state image.

Accordingly, it is possible to easily know whether or not a group isestablished at present.

The group may be a group that is capable of reproducing the same contentat the same time.

By using the present technology, it is possible to control simultaneousreproduction of content by the group with a good operability.

The acceptance unit may accept a first operation of selecting an imageof one of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses. In this case, theimage control unit may emphatically display an image of a reproductionapparatus that is capable of constituting the group, in response to thefirst operation.

Accordingly, it is possible to easily know an apparatus that is capableof constituting a group and perform creation of a group and the likewith a good operability.

The acceptance unit may accept a second operation of causing an image ofa non-constitution apparatus that is capable of constituting the groupto move in the group state image while selecting the image of thenon-constitution apparatus, the non-constitution apparatus being areproduction apparatus that does not constitute the group. In this case,the image control unit may display, when a destination of the secondoperation is an image of the reproduction apparatus that is capable ofconstituting the group, an image of a group that is newly constituted ofthe selected non-constitution apparatus and the reproduction apparatusas the destination.

Accordingly, it is possible to create a group with a simple operation.

The image control unit may display, when a destination of the secondoperation is an image of a group that is already established, an imageof a group that is newly constituted of the selected non-constitutionapparatus and the reproduction apparatus included in the group as thedestination.

Accordingly, it is possible to add the non-constitution apparatus to agroup with a simple operation.

The image control unit may cause, when a destination of the secondoperation is a position where there is no image of another reproductionapparatus, an image of the selected non-constitution apparatus to moveto the position.

Accordingly, it is possible to cause a reproduction apparatus to move inthe group state image with a simple operation.

The image control unit may return, when a destination of the secondoperation is an image of a reproduction apparatus that is not capable ofconstituting the group, an image of the selected non-constitutionapparatus to its original position.

Accordingly, it is possible to easily know that a group cannot becreated and the like, and improve the operability.

The acceptance unit may accept a third operation of causing an image ofa group apparatus to move in the group state image while selecting theimage of the group apparatus, the group apparatus being a reproductionapparatus that constitutes the group. In this case, the image controlunit may display, when a destination of the third operation is a positonthat is away from an image of the group including the selected groupapparatus, an image where the group apparatus is withdrawn from thegroup.

Accordingly, it is possible to cause the group apparatus to withdrawfrom the group with a simple operation.

The image control unit may identifiably display one of a plurality ofgroup apparatuses included in the group as a master apparatus, anddisplay, when an image of the master apparatus is selected and moved tothe position that is away from the image of the group by the thirdoperation, an image where the group is dissolved.

Accordingly, it is possible to dissolve the group with a simpleoperation.

The acceptance unit may accept a fourth operation of selecting an imageof the group. In this case, the image control unit may output areproduction information image including information related toreproduction of the content by a plurality of group apparatuses includedin the group, in response to the fourth operation.

Accordingly, it is possible to perform reproduction setting and the likefor each group with a simple operation.

The reproduction information image may include information on contentthat the plurality of group apparatuses are capable of reproducing atthe same time.

Accordingly, it is easily know content that can be reproduced for eachgroup.

The image control unit may display meta-information related to contentthat is being reproduced by the plurality of group apparatuses in thegroup state image.

Accordingly, it is possible to know information of content.

The acceptance unit may be a touch panel. In this case, the group stateimage may be displayed on the touch panel.

It is possible to control reproduction of content with a goodoperability by using the touch panel.

An information processing method according to an embodiment of thepresent technology includes detecting whether or not each of a pluralityof reproduction apparatuses constitutes a group related to reproductionof content, each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses beingconnected to a network, each of the plurality of reproductionapparatuses being capable of reproducing the content.

A user operation related to constitution of the group is accepted.

A group state image is controlled on the basis of a detection result bythe detection unit, the group state image representing a constitutionstate of the group, the group state image including an image of each ofthe plurality of reproduction apparatuses, and controlling the groupstate image in response to the accepted user operation related toconstitution of the group.

A program according to an embodiment of the present technology causes acomputer to execute the following steps of:

-   -   detecting whether or not each of a plurality of reproduction        apparatuses constitutes a group related to reproduction of        content, each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses being        connected to a network, each of the plurality of reproduction        apparatuses being capable of reproducing the content;    -   accepting a user operation related to constitution of the group;        and    -   outputting a group state image on the basis of a detection        result by the detection unit, the group state image representing        a constitution state of the group, the group state image        including an image of each of the plurality of reproduction        apparatuses, and controlling the group state image in response        to the accepted user operation related to constitution of the        group.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

As described above, in accordance with the present technology, it ispossible to control reproduction of content by a plurality ofreproduction apparatuses connected to a network with a good operability.It should be noted that the effect described here is not necessarilylimitative and may be any effect described in the present disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 A schematic diagram showing a configuration example of a networksystem according to an embodiment.

FIG. 2 A block diagram showing a configuration example of the portableterminal shown in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 A sequence diagram showing an operational example to when a groupstate image is output.

FIG. 4 A diagram showing a configuration example of the group stateimage in the case where a group is not established.

FIG. 5 A diagram showing a configuration example of the group stateimage in the case where a group is established.

FIG. 6 A diagram showing a configuration example of the group stateimage in the case where a first operation is input.

FIG. 7 A diagram showing a configuration example of the group stateimage in the case where a group is newly created.

FIG. 8 A sequence diagram showing an example of an operation of newlycreating a group.

FIG. 9 A diagram showing a configuration example of the group stateimage in the case where an operation of a new addition to a group isinput.

FIG. 10 A diagram showing a configuration example of the group stateimage in the case where an operation of a new addition to a group isinput.

FIG. 11 A sequence diagram showing an example of an operation of a newaddition to a group.

FIG. 12 A diagram showing a configuration example of the group stateimage in the case where an operation of dissolving a group is input.

FIG. 13 A diagram showing a configuration example of the group stateimage in the case where an operation of dissolving a group is input.

FIG. 14 A diagram showing a configuration example of the group stateimage in the case where an operation of dissolving a group is input.

FIG. 15 A sequence diagram showing an example of an operation ofdissolving a group.

FIG. 16 A sequence diagram showing an example of an operation ofwithdrawing from a group.

FIG. 17 A diagram showing a configuration example of the group stateimage on which meta-information related to content is displayed.

FIG. 18 A diagram showing an example of a reproduction informationimage.

FIG. 19 A diagram showing an example of a reproduction informationimage.

MODE(S) FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present technology will bedescribed with reference to the drawings.

[Network System]

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration example of anetwork system according to an embodiment of the present technology. Anetwork system 500 includes a home network 1 established in a house, aplurality of reproduction apparatuses 10 connected thereto, a serverapparatus 20 that provides content, and a portable terminal 30 thatfunctions as an information processing apparatus according to thisembodiment.

As the home network 1, for example, a network conforming to the DLNA(Digital Living Network Alliance) standard is used. In this case, theplurality of reproduction apparatuses 10 each function as a DMR (DigitalMedia Renderer), and the server apparatus 20 functions as a DMS (DigitalMedia Server). Further, the portable terminal 30 functions as a DMC(Digital Media Controller). However, it is not limited to thisconfiguration, and a network using another protocol may be used, forexample.

The plurality of reproduction apparatuses 10, the server apparatus 20,and the portable terminal 30 are connected to the home network 1 via,for example, an access point (not shown) through wireless communicationsuch as WiFi. However, the method of connecting to the home network 1 isnot limited, and wired communication via a LAN cable or the like may beused.

As shown in FIG. 1 , the plurality of reproduction apparatuses 10 areplaced in rooms of a living room 2, a hobby room 3, and a bed room 4. Byoperating the portable terminal 30, a user 5 is capable of instructingthe respective reproduction apparatuses 10 placed in the rooms toreproduce content in the server apparatus 20. In this embodiment, musiccontent is reproduced by the plurality of reproduction apparatuses 10.However, the present technology is not limited to the reproduction ofmusic content, and can be applied to reproduction of various kinds ofcontent such as video. Note that the number of reproduction apparatuses10 is not limited.

As each of the reproduction apparatuses 10, one that is capable ofoperating as a DMP (Digital Media Player) may be placed. In this case,by operating a UI (User Interface) of the respective reproductionapparatuses 10, it is possible to reproduce content in the serverapparatus 20.

As each of the reproduction apparatuses 10, for example, a televisionreceiver, a PC (Personal computer), an audio video receiver, a videomonitor, a home video game machine, or the like is used. As the serverapparatus 20, for example, a PC, a network-ready HDD (NAS) or the likeis used. As the portable terminal 30, typically, a smartphone is used.However, it is not limited thereto, and various PDAs (Personal DigitalAssistant) such as a tablet terminal and a game machine.

Note that in this embodiment, a reproduction apparatus that is notconnected to the home network 1 (hereinafter, referred to as non-networkapparatus) 13 is placed in the bed room 4 in FIG. 1 . The non-networkapparatus 13 does not function as a DMR, and reproduces a CD, contentread via a USB (Universal Serial Bus), or content acquired from anotherglobal network or the like. In this embodiment, it is possible tocontrol the operation of the non-network apparatus 13 by the portableterminal 30 through near field communication such as Bluetooth(registered trademark).

[Configuration of Portable Terminal]

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of theportable terminal 30. The portable terminal 30 includes a CPU (CentralProcessing Unit) 31, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 32, a RAM (Random AccessMemory) 33, a display 34, and a touch panel 35. Further, the portableterminal 30 includes a communication unit 36, an external I/F(interface) 37, a key/switch 38, and an imaging unit 39.

The CPU 31 exchanges signals with respective blocks of the portableterminal 30 to perform various kinds of operations, and collectivelycontrols various kinds of processing performed in the portable terminal30 such as instruction for the reproduction apparatuses 10 to reproducecontent and display of an image on the display 34 (the touch panel 35).

The ROM 32 stores various kinds of data processed by the CPU 31 such asvarious kinds of image data and metadata, and various programs such asan application. The RAM 32 is used as a working area of the CPU 31. Whena program such as an application is executed, various kinds of datanecessary for the execution are loaded into the RAM 32.

Instead or in addition to the ROM 32, an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), a flashmemory, or another non-volatile memory such as a solid-state memory maybe provided. Then, in these storage devices, the above-mentioned variouskinds of data or programs may be stored.

The display 34 is a display device using a liquid crystal, an EL(Electro-Luminescence), or the like. As shown in FIG. 2 , the display 34is integrally formed with the touch panel 35. Therefore, various GUIs(Graphical User Interface) are displayed on the touch panel 35, and atouch operation can be input with respect to the GUI. The touch panel 35functions as an acceptance unit in this embodiment.

The communication unit 36 is an interface for connecting the portableterminal 30 to the home network 1 or the non-network apparatus 13. Forexample, as the communication unit 36, a wireless LAN module such asWiFi or short-distance wireless module such as Bluetooth (registeredtrademark) is provided.

The external I/F 37 is an interface for connecting to an externalapparatus on the basis of the standards such as a USB and an HDMI(registered trademark) (High-Definition Multimedia Interface). Inaddition, an interface for connecting to various memory cards such as amemory stick may be configured.

The key switch unit 38 accepts, particularly, an operation performed bythe user 5, which cannot be input via the touch panel 35, such as apower supply switch and a short cut key. The imaging unit 39 includes,for example, a CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) or CCD(Charge Coupled Devices) sensor, and generates a digital image of anobject.

The information processing performed by the portable terminal 30 havingthe above-mentioned hardware configuration is achieved by cooperation ofsoftware stored in the ROM 32 or the like and a hardware resource of theportable terminal 30. For example, by the CPU 31 loading the program(application) according to the present technology stored in the ROM 32or the like into the RAM 33 to execute it, the information processingmethod according to the present technology is achieved. At this time, asshown in FIG. 2 , the CPU 31 functions as a detection unit 40, an imagecontrol unit 41, and a group control unit 42. In order to achieve theseblocks, dedicated hardware may be appropriately used.

The program such as an application is installed in the portable terminal30 from, for example, a global network. Alternatively, the program maybe installed in the portable terminal 30 via a recording medium.

[Multi-Room Reproduction]

As the operation of the portable terminal 30 according to thisembodiment, multi-room reproduction of content will be described. Themulti-room reproduction is a reproduction method in which a group isconstituted of two or more reproduction apparatuses 10 connected to thehome network 1 and the group simultaneously reproduces the same content.

For example, by causing the plurality of reproduction apparatuses 10 inthe same room to reproduce the same content, it is possible to enjoymusic in the entire room at a high volume. Alternatively, for example,in the case where many friends are invited and a party is held, it ispossible to liven up the party by causing the reproduction apparatuses10 placed in the rooms to reproduce the same content and simultaneouslycontrolling the operations.

In this embodiment, one of the two or more reproduction apparatuses 10constituting the group is set as a master apparatus, and otherreproduction apparatuses 10 are set as slave apparatuses. When themulti-room reproduction is performed, the instruction is transmitted tothe master apparatus. The master apparatus downloads content from theserver apparatus 20, and simultaneously performs streaming distributionon the slave apparatus. Accordingly, the multi-room reproduction ofcontent is achieved. Note that the method of achieving the multi-roomreproduction is not limited, and an arbitrary technology related to, forexample, synchronous reproduction, may be appropriately used.

In the present technology, as will be described later, the currentconstitution state of the group is perspectively displayed on the touchpanel 35 of the portable terminal 30. Then, on the basis of the image,it is possible to newly create a group, dissolve the group, make a newaddition to the group, or withdraw from the group with a goodoperability. Therefore, it is possible to control the multi-roomreproduction of content with a good operability.

FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an operational example to when agroup state image showing the constitution state of a group is output.In FIG. 3 , as the reproduction apparatus connected to the home network1, three reproduction apparatuses A to C are shown, in order to make thefigure simple.

When an application is activated by the user 5, the detection unit 40 ofthe portable terminal 30 generates a search request for finding thereproduction apparatus 10, and the search request is transmitted on thehome network 1 by broadcast (Step 101). The reproduction apparatuses Ato C each transmit a response to the search request to the portableterminal 30 (Step 102). The response includes information thatrepresents whether or not it is a multi-room-ready apparatus.

The multi-room-ready apparatus is the reproduction apparatus 10 that iscapable of constituting a group and performing the multi-roomreproduction. The reproduction apparatus 10 that cannot perform themulti-room reproduction is a non-ready apparatus. Specifically, in Step102, information on whether or not it is capable of constituting a groupis transmitted to the portable terminal 30.

The detection unit 40 makes an inquiry about the group state to themulti-room-ready apparatus (reproduction apparatuses A to C in thisexample) (Step 103). The group state is information that representswhether or not it constitutes a group or it is a master apparatus orslave apparatus in the case where it constitutes a group.

With the search request in Step 101 and the inquiry about the groupstate in Step 103, the detection unit 40 of the portable terminal 30 iscapable of detecting whether or not each of the plurality ofreproduction apparatuses 10 that are connected to the home network 1 andcapable of reproducing content constitutes a group for the multi-roomreproduction. Note that a control message or the like of, for example,UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) for this detection is transmitted on thehome network 1. It goes without saying that it is not limited thereto,and another arbitrary technology may be used to perform the detection.

The detection unit 40 makes an inquiry about checking a list of thegroup apparatus to the master apparatus (reproduction apparatus A inthis example) (In Step 104). The group apparatus is the reproductionapparatus 10 constituting a group. The master apparatus transmits a listof the slave apparatus that belongs to the group in response to theinquiry (Step 105).

The detection unit 40 is capable of determining the current groupconstitution state on the basis of the acquired information. The imagecontrol unit 41 outputs a group state image on the basis of thedetermination result. Note that a unique ID is set on each reproductionapparatus, and thus, the reproduction apparatus can be identified.

FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are each a diagram showing a configuration example ofa group state image 50 displayed on the touch panel 35. FIG. 3 shows agroup state image 50A in which a group is not established, and FIG. 4shows a group state image 50B in which a group is established.

As shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 , the group state image 50 includes iconimages 51 of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses 10 connected tothe home network 1. On the icon images 51, respective images dependingon the kind of the reproduction apparatus are displayed. Icon images 51a to 51 d shown in FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 respectively correspond toreproduction apparatuses 10 a to 10 d shown in FIG. 1 .

Each icon image 51 includes a text image 52 that represents a name, forexample. Accordingly, it is possible to know the correspondence with theactual reproduction apparatus 10 placed in each room. Further, on eachicon image 51, a network mark 53 (WiFi mark in this example) thatrepresents the connection form with the portable terminal 30 and anindividual communication mark 54 (Bluetooth (registered trademark) markin this example) are placed. The network mark 53 is actively displayedon the reproduction apparatus 10 connected to the home network 1.

The group state image 50 includes an icon image 55 of the non-networkapparatus 13 that is not connected to the home network 1. Also on theicon image 55, the text image 52, the network mark 53, and theindividual communication mark 54 are placed. The individualcommunication mark 54 is actively displayed on the non-network apparatus13. Alternatively, information indicating that it is the non-networkapparatus 13 may be displayed.

For example, by selecting a plus mark 59 or the like in the group stateimage 50, detection of the non-network apparatus 13 is performed and theicon image 55 thereof is displayed in the case where it is detected. Thedetection of the non-network apparatus 13 may be automaticallyperformed.

In this embodiment, it is possible to collectively display thereproduction apparatuses 10 and 13 in the surrounding environment on thetouch panel 35. Accordingly, it is possible to control reproduction ofcontent with a good operability. Note that the non-network apparatus 13cannot perform the multi-room reproduction.

As shown in FIG. 5 , in the case where a group is already established,i.e., a group apparatus is detected, a group image 56 of a groupincluding the group apparatus is displayed. The group image 56 is acircular image, and the icon images 51 of the group apparatuses thatbelong to the group are displayed on the periphery of the group image56. In the example shown in FIG. 5 , the reproduction apparatuses 10 band 10 d shown in FIG. 1 are detected as the group apparatus, and theicon images 51 b and 51 e thereof are placed in the periphery of thegroup image 56.

When the group image 56 is displayed, the icon image 51 (icon image 51 ein this example) of the reproduction apparatus 10 as the masterapparatus is emphatically displayed so that the master apparatus can beidentified. The method of emphatically displaying the icon image 51 isnot limited, and the text image 52 is largely displayed, for example, asshown in FIG. 5 . It goes without saying that it is not limited thereto,and an arbitrary display method such as emphasizing the color of theicon image 51 and blinking the icon image 51 may be employed. Note thatinformation indicating that it is the master apparatus may be newlyadded.

As shown in FIG. 5 , display of the network mark 54 or the like of theicon image 51 placed in the periphery of the group image 56 may beomitted because it is obvious that it is connected to the home network1. Note that in the case where a plurality of groups are established, aplurality of group images 56 corresponding to the groups are displayed.

The method and technology of generating the group state image 50 are notlimited, and an arbitrary method and technology may be used. Forexample, in Steps 102, 103, or the like in FIG. 3 , device informationincluding the above-mentioned information related to the groupconstitution and information for generating the group state image 50 isacquired. The device information may include the icon image of eachreproduction apparatus 10, and the icon image 51 may be used.Information on the name or the like is extracted from the deviceinformation, and the text image 52 is generated on the basis of theinformation.

Alternatively, the icon images 51 is stored on the side of the portableterminal 30, and the optimal icon image 51 may be selected on the basisof the acquired device information. Alternatively, via a global networksuch as the Internet, an image or information for generating the groupstate image 50 such as the icon image 51 may be acquired.

The design or the like of the icon image 51 or the group image 56 andthe layout of the group state image 50 are not limited to those shown inFIG. 4 , FIG. 5 and the like, and may be appropriately set.

The user 5 is capable of inputting various operations related to theconstitution of a group to the group state image 50 displayed on thetouch panel 35. The image control unit 41 controls the group state image50 in response to the operation accepted by the touch panel 35.

For example, in the case where an operation of newly creating a group,making new addition, or the like is input, the group control unit 42shown in FIG. 2 transmits a request or instruction depending on theoperation to the master apparatus. The master apparatus operates inresponse to the request or the like, and returns the result to the groupcontrol unit 42. The image control unit 41 controls the group stateimage 50 on the basis of the information.

The detection unit 40 may make an inquiry about the group state atpredetermined timing (timing after the operation of the master apparatusor the like) or periodically. Then, on the basis of the result of theinquiry, the group state image 50 may be controlled.

[Emphatic Display of Multi-Room-Ready Apparatus]

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a group stateimage 50C in the case where a first operation is input. The firstoperation is an operation of selecting the icon image 51 of thereproduction apparatus 10 in the group state image 50C by the user 5.The image control unit 41 emphatically displays the icon images 51 ofthe reproduction apparatuses 10 that are capable of constituting thegroup (the icon 51 b, an icon 51 c, and the icon 51 e in this example),of the icon images 51 in the group state image 50C, in response to thefirst operation. Specifically, the multi-room-ready apparatus isemphatically displayed.

The method of emphasizing the icon image 51 is not limited. In thisembodiment, while the user 5 selects the icon image 51, animation inwhich the size of the icon image 51 of the multi-room-ready apparatus isdynamically changed is displayed. Specifically, the icon image 51 of themulti-room-ready apparatus is enlarged or reduced. Alternatively,animation whose color is changed with time or animation in which theicon image blinks may be displayed. Hereinafter, animation is referredto simply as an image in some cases.

By emphatically displaying the icon image 51 of the multi-room-readyapparatus, it is possible to easily know the multi-room-ready apparatusand perform creation of a group and the like with a good operability.Note that in this embodiment, the icon image 51 of the multi-room-readyapparatus is emphatically displayed even in the case where any one ofthe icon images 51 in the group state image 50C is selected. Instead ofthis, the emphatic display of the icon image 51 of the multi-room-readyapparatus may be performed only in the case where the icon image 51 ofthe multi-room-ready apparatus is selected. Further, in the case wherethe icon image 55 of the non-network apparatus 13 is selected, theindication thereof may be displayed.

[New Creation of Group]

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing configuration example of a group state image50D in the case where new creation of a group is input. When a group isnewly created, the user 5 inputs a second operation. The secondoperation is an operation of moving the icon image 51 (icon image 51 bin this example) of the reproduction apparatus 10 that does notconstitute a group (hereinafter, referred to as the non-constitutionapparatus) and is the multi-room-ready apparatus in the group stateimage 50 while selecting the icon image 51.

As shown in FIG. 7 , in the case where the destination of the secondoperation is the icon image 51 e of the multi-room-ready apparatus andthe selection is released on the icon image 51 e, the selectednon-constitution apparatus and the multi-room-ready apparatus as thedestination newly constitute a group, and the group image 56 thereof isdisplayed. As a result, the image transits from the group state image50D shown in FIG. 7 to the group state image 50B.

At this time, for example, an image where two images of the icon image51 b and the icon image 51 e are apart from each other by apredetermined distance, an image where the circular shape of the groupimage 56 expands from a dotted shape to a predetermined size, an imagewhere a color is added to the group image 56, and the like aredisplayed. Accordingly, it is possible to easily recognize that a groupis established. As described above, it is possible to easily create agroup only by dragging and dropping the icon image 51 of thenon-constitution apparatus that is capable of performing the multi-roomreproduction on the icon image 51 of another multi-room-ready apparatus.

Note that the image control unit 41 may automatically adjust theposition or size of each image so that the icon image 51 and the groupimage 56 do not overlap each other. For example, in the case where aplurality of group images 56 are displayed, the size of the circularshape of each group image 56 is appropriately reduced and displayed.Accordingly, it is possible to simply display the group constitutionimage 50.

FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation of newlycreating a group. The group control unit 42 acquires the network stateof the reproduction apparatuses A to C as targets of group constitution(Step 201). The network state is information that represents theconnection state with the home network 1, e.g., information on thenetwork strength. This processing may be performed when the operation ofnewly creating a group shown in FIG. 7 is input or periodically.

On the basis of the acquired information on the network state, any oneof multi-room-ready apparatuses is set as the master apparatus (Step202). For example, the reproduction apparatus 10 having a higher networkstrength is set as the master apparatus. The method of determining themaster apparatus is not limited, and the user may select the masterapparatus.

The group control unit 42 transmits a group creation request to themaster apparatus (reproduction apparatus A in this example) (Step 203).The request includes an ID of the reproduction apparatus as the slaveapparatus (reproduction apparatuses B and C in this example). The masterapparatus that receives the creation request transmits a request forparticipating in the group to the reproduction apparatuses B and C asthe slave apparatuses (Step 204). Accordingly, the group is established,and the reproduction apparatuses A to C are in the group state (Step205).

Note that in the example shown in FIG. 8 , there are a plurality ofreproduction apparatuses as the slave apparatuses. It goes withoutsaying that in the case where the operation shown in FIG. 7 is input,any one of the reproduction apparatuses 10 b and 10 e is set as themaster apparatus, and the group participation request is transmitted tothe other reproduction apparatus 10. In the case where the touch panel35 supports the multi-touch operation performed by a plurality offingers, two non-constitution apparatuses are moved onto anothermulti-room-ready apparatus in some cases. In this case, as shown in FIG.8 , the participation request is transmitted to the plurality ofreproduction apparatuses.

[New Addition to Group]

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are diagrams showing configuration examples of groupstate images 50E and 50F, respectively, in the case where an operationof new addition to a group is input. As shown in FIG. 9 , in the casewhere the destination of the second operation is the group image 56 of agroup that is already established, the selected non-constitutionapparatus and the group apparatus included in the group as thedestination newly constitute a group. Then, as shown in FIG. 10 , agroup image 56′ is displayed as the image that represents the group. Theicon image 51 c of the selected non-constitution apparatus and the iconimage 51 b and the icon image 51 e of the group apparatuses included inthe group are placed in the periphery of the group image 56′.

At this time, animation may be appropriately displayed with respect tothe position of each icon image 51 and the size or color of the circularshape of the group image 56′. As described above, only by dragging anddropping the multi-room-ready non-constitution apparatus on the groupimage 56, it is possible to easily make a new addition to the group.

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation of anew addition to a group. The group control unit 42 transmits a requestfor adding a slave apparatus to the master apparatus (reproductionapparatus A in this example) (Step 301). The master apparatus transmitsa request for participating in the group to the reproduction apparatusto be added (reproduction apparatus C in this example) on the basis ofthe ID included in the addition request (Step 302). Accordingly, thereproduction apparatus C is added to the group as the slave apparatus(Step 303).

[Movement of Icon Image]

In the case where the destination of the second operation is a positionwhere there is no icon image 51 of another reproduction apparatus in thegroup state image 50, the image control unit 42 causes the selected iconimage 51 to move to the position. Accordingly, it is possible to causethe icon image 51 to move with a simple operation, and change thepositional relationship between the icon images 51.

For example, it is possible to easily arrange the icon images 51 in thegroup state image 50 in the arrangement relationship similar to theactual position of the reproduction apparatus 10 placed in each room.Accordingly, the user 5 is capable of instinctively knowing the actualposition of the reproduction apparatus 10. In addition, it is alsopossible to arrange the icon images 51 by classifying them for each typeof the reproduction apparatus 10 to improve the operability. It goeswithout saying that it is not limited thereto.

In the case where the destination of the second operation is on the iconimages 51 and 55 of the non-ready apparatus and the non-networkapparatus 13, the image control unit 42 returns the selected icon image51 to the original position. Accordingly, it is possible to easily knowthat it cannot constitute a group, for example.

[Dissolving of Group]

FIG. 12 to FIG. 14 are diagrams showing configuration examples of groupstate images 50G, 50H, and 50I, respectively, in the case where anoperation of dissolving a group is input. When a group is dissolved, theuser 5 inputs a third operation. The third operation is an operation ofmoving the icon image 51 of the group apparatus that constitutes a groupin the group state image 50 while selecting the icon image 51.

As shown in FIG. 12 and FIG. 13 , assumption is made that the icon image51 e of the master apparatus is selected, and moved to a position thatis away from the group image 56 of the group including the masterapparatus. As a result, the group is dissolved, and the group image 56is deleted as shown in FIG. 14 . Further, the icon image 51 e of thereproduction apparatus that has been the master apparatus is moved tothe position where the selection is released.

As described above, only by dragging and dropping the icon image 51 ofthe master apparatus on a position that is away from the group image 56,it is possible to simply dissolve the group. Note that as the imagewhere the group is dissolved, an arbitrary image may be displayed aslong as the indication of the dissolving can be understood. Further, theindication that the group is dissolved may be displayed by a text imageor the like.

The position that is away from the group image 56 is typically aposition outside of the group image 56. However, it is not limitedthereto, and the inside or the like of the group image 56 can be theposition that is away from the group image 56, depending on the shape orthe like of the group image 56. Further, in the case where apredetermined area in the group state image 50 is defined as a groupwithdrawal area or dissolving area, the inside of the area is theposition that is away from the group image 56.

FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation ofdissolving a group. The group control unit 42 transmits a request fordissolving a group to the master apparatus (reproduction apparatus A inthis example) (Step 401). The master apparatus that receives thedissolving request transmits a request for withdrawing from a group toall the slave apparatuses that belong to the group (reproductionapparatuses B and C in this example) (step 402). When all the slaveapparatuses are withdrawn, the group is dissolved (Step 403). Note thatthe dissolving of the group may be performed by another method.

[Withdrawal from Group]

Assumption is made that the icon images 51 b and 51 c of the slaveapparatuses of the group apparatuses are selected, and moved to aposition that is away from the group image 56 of the group including theslave apparatuses. In this case, the withdrawal of the selected slaveapparatuses from the group is performed, and the image thereof isdisplayed (e.g., transition from the group state image 50E in FIG. 9 tothe group state image 50B in FIG. 5 ). As described above, it ispossible to easily withdraw the icon image 51 of the slave apparatusfrom the group only by dragging and dropping the icon image 51 on theposition that is away from the group image 56.

FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram showing an example of an operation ofwithdrawing from a group. The group control unit 42 transmits a requestfor withdrawal of the slave apparatus to the master apparatus(reproduction apparatus A in this example) (Step 501). The masterapparatus transmits the withdrawal request to the reproduction apparatusto be withdrawn (reproduction apparatus C in this example) on the basisof the ID included in the withdrawal request (Step 502). Accordingly,the reproduction apparatus C is withdrawn from the group, and the groupconstitution including the remaining reproduction apparatuses is left(Step 503).

Note that in the present disclosure, the withdrawal represents gettingout of the state where it constitutes a group, i.e., the state where thebelonging to the group is eliminated. When the group is dissolved, thebelonging to the group is inevitably eliminated. Therefore, in thepresent disclosure, the image where the group is dissolved is includedin the image where the group apparatus is withdrawn from the group(image where the belonging to the group is eliminated).

As described above, in the portable terminal 30 according to thisembodiment, whether or not each of the plurality of reproductionapparatuses 10 connected to the home network 1 constitutes a group isdetected. The group state image 50 including the icon image 51 of eachreproduction apparatus 10 is output on the basis of the detectionresult, and the group state image 50 is controlled in response to theoperation performed by the user 5. Accordingly, the user 5 is capable ofinputting various operations such as new creation of a group and newaddition to a group while watching the group state image 50 on onescreen. As a result, it is possible to control reproduction of contentwith a good operability.

The operation that can be input to the group state image 50 is notlimited to those described above. For example, the icon images 51 and 55of the non-ready apparatus that does not support the multi-roomreproduction and the non-network apparatus 13 can be selected and movedto a position where there is no icon image 51 of another reproductionapparatus 10. In the case where the destination is on anotherreproduction apparatus 10, the icon images 51 and 55 are returned to therespective original positions.

In the case where the icon image 51 of the group apparatus is draggedand dropped on the icon image 51 of another group-ready apparatuslocated at a position that is away from the group image 56, a new groupincluding the group apparatus and the group-ready apparatus as thedestination may be established, and the group image 56 thereof may bedisplayed. Further, in the case where the destination of the icon image51 of the group apparatus is another group image 56, the group image 56in which the group apparatus is added to the group may be displayed. Inthe case where the destination is on the icon images 51 and 55 of thenon-ready apparatus and the non-network apparatus 13, the icon image 51is returned to the periphery of the group image 56 (not withdrawn fromthe group).

Further, in the case where the icon image 51 of the master apparatus ismoved to a position that is away from the group image 56, the group doesnot necessarily need to be dissolved, the group may continue with anyone of the remaining slave apparatuses as the master apparatus, and thegroup image 56 thereof may be displayed. In addition, various operationscan be input.

OTHER EMBODIMENTS

The present technology is not limited to the embodiment described above,and other various embodiments can be achieved.

FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a configuration example of a group stateimage 50J in which meta-information related to content is displayed. Forexample, meta-information 60 related to content reproduced by aplurality of group apparatuses included in the same group may bedisplayed in the group state image 50J. In the example shown in FIG. 17, a content name 61 and an artist image 62 are displayed as themeta-information. However, it is not limited thereto.

For example, in the above-mentioned embodiment, content supplied fromthe server apparatus 20 on the home network 1 is described as an exampleof content on which the multi-room reproduction is performed. However,it is not limited thereto, and content read by the group-ready apparatusvia a CD or USB or content acquired by the group-ready apparatus frompredetermined service such as the Internet may be reproduced. In such acase, as the meta-information 60, information 63 that represents theacquisition destination of content (location of content) may bedisplayed.

Note that the meta-information may be displayed also in the case wherenormal reproduction that is not the multi-room reproduction isperformed. In FIG. 17 , the content name 61, the artist image 62, andthe acquisition destination (network service on the Internet)information 63 of content reproduced by a non-ready apparatus 10 acorresponding to an icon image 51 a are displayed.

In addition, as the meta-information related to content, Internetinformation related to content may be displayed. The Internetinformation is the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of a website relatedto content, the link to an SNS (Social Networking Service) related tocontent, or the like. Further, advertisement related to content, TVprogram information, and the like may be displayed. By display themeta-information, it is possible to acquire detailed information relatedto content and enjoy the reproduction of content more.

Further, as shown in FIG. 17 , the image control unit 41 may output areproduction information image when a fourth operation in which the user5 selects the group image 56 in the group state image 50J is input. Thereproduction information image is an image including reproductioninformation related to the multi-room reproduction performed by aplurality of group apparatuses. Specifically, the output of thereproduction information image in addition to the control of the groupstate image may be performed.

FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 are each a diagram showing an example of thereproduction information image. A reproduction information image 70shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 includes a reproduction control unit 71 andan information display unit 72. The reproduction control unit 71includes a plurality of control buttons 73 for controlling reproductionof content and a volume adjustment bar 74. By operating the reproductioncontrol unit 71, it is possible to easily control the multi-roomreproduction performed by a plurality of group apparatuses.

On the information display unit 72, reproduction information related toreproduction of content is displayed. On the information display unit 72in part A of FIG. 18 , the kind of content on which multi-reproductioncan be performed by the selected group is displayed. For example, anicon image 75 that represents a home network, CD, or the like isdisplayed. Accordingly, it is possible to easily know content that canbe reproduced for each group.

On the information display unit 72 in part B of FIG. 18 , information ona file in which content on which the multi-room reproduction can beperformed is stored or information on content is displayed in a list. Onthe information display unit 72 in part C of FIG. 18 , information oncontent on which the multi-room reproduction is being performed isdisplayed. For example, a content name, an artist image, a reproductionposition, and the like are displayed.

On the information display unit 72 in part A of FIG. 19 , pieces ofinformation on items for performing various kinds of setting aredisplayed in a list. The various kinds of setting include reproductionsetting, power source setting, other setting, network setting, and thelike. The information display unit 72 in part B of FIG. 19 includespieces of information on items for performing various kinds of settingrelated to reproduction of content. Examples of the pieces ofinformation on items include sound quality setting, EQ (equalizer)setting, timer setting, and other setting. On the information displayunit 72 in part C of FIG. 19 , an equalizer for EQ setting is displayed.

The reproduction information images 70 shown in FIG. 18 and FIG. 19 maybe switchably displayed. For example, the reproduction information image70 may be switchable in the order of part A of FIG. 18 , part B of FIG.18 , and then part C of FIG. 18 . At this time, the following operationis input, for example.

Any one of the icon images 75 of the content type in part A of FIG. 18is selected, any one of content items 76 in part B of FIG. 18 isselected, and then, content information in part C of FIG. 18 isdisplayed.

Further, the reproduction information image 70 may be switchable in theorder of part A of FIG. 18 , part A of FIG. 19 , part B of FIG. 19 , andthen, part C of FIG. 19 , for example. At this time, the followingoperation is input, for example.

An icon image 77 for setting in part A of FIG. 18 is selected, a sounditem 78 in part A of FIG. 19 is selected, an item 79 for EQ setting inpart B of FIG. 19 is selected, and then, an equalizer in part C of FIG.19 is displayed. Note that by selecting a return button 80, it ispossible to perform switching in the opposite direction.

By displaying the reproduction information image as describe above, itis possible to perform reproduction setting for each group, EQ setting,and the like with a simple operation. Specifically, it is possible tocollectively perform reproduction setting or the like of a plurality ofgroup apparatuses, and exert a high operability. It goes without sayingthat an image including information different from that described abovemay be displayed as the reproduction information image.

By selecting the icon image 51 of the reproduction apparatus 10 thatperforms normal reproduction that is not the multi-room reproduction,the reproduction information image 70 related to the normal reproductionmay be output. It can be said that the reproduction information image isa function image related to the multi-room reproduction or the normalreproduction.

The above-mentioned group in which the multi-room reproduction isperformed is an example of the group related to reproduction of contentaccording to the present technology. Specifically, it is not limited tothe multi-room reproduction, and the present technology can be appliedto a group in which another reproduction operation or the like can beperformed or a group established under another reproduction condition.

In the above, description has been made with the home network 1established in a house as an example. It goes without saying that it isnot limited thereto, and the present technology can be applied to alocal network established in a company, facility, or the like. Further,a local network may be established in buildings apart from each other.For example, a car audio provided in a vehicle is employed as thereproduction apparatus, and the present technology may be applied to thelocal network to which the car audio is connected. Further, the presenttechnology may be applied on the global network.

The number of reproduction apparatuses constituting a group is notlimited, but the upper limit thereof, e.g., not more than 10, may beset. It goes without saying that the upper limit does not necessarilyneed to be set.

In the above, a portable terminal has been illustrated as theinformation processing apparatus according to the present technology.However, it is not limited thereto, and the present technology can beexecuted by an arbitrary computer such as a stationary apparatus. Forexample, the group state image 50 and the like may be displayed on thetouch panel of the reproduction apparatus 10 that is capable ofoperating as a DMP, and various operations may be input thereto.

At least two features of the above-mentioned features according to thepresent technology may be combined. Specifically, various featuresdescribed in each embodiment may be arbitrarily combined withoutdistinguishing the embodiments with each other. Further, the variouseffects described above are merely examples and are not limited, andadditional effects may be exerted.

It should be noted that the present technology may also take thefollowing configurations.

-   -   (1) An information processing apparatus, including:    -   a detection unit that is capable of detecting whether or not        each of a plurality of reproduction apparatuses constitutes a        group related to reproduction of content, each of the plurality        of reproduction apparatuses being connected to a network, each        of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses being capable of        reproducing the content;    -   an acceptance unit that accepts a user operation related to        constitution of the group; and    -   an image control unit that outputs a group state image on the        basis of a detection result by the detection unit, the group        state image representing a constitution state of the group, the        group state image including an image of each of the plurality of        reproduction apparatuses, and controls the group state image in        response to the accepted user operation related to constitution        of the group.    -   (2) The information processing apparatus according to (1), in        which    -   the image control unit displays, when a reproduction apparatus        constituting the group is detected, an image of the group        including the reproduction apparatus in the group state image.    -   (3) The information processing apparatus according to (1) or (2,        in which    -   the group is a group that is capable of reproducing the same        content at the same time.    -   (4) The information processing apparatus according to any one        of (1) to (3), in which    -   the acceptance unit accepts a first operation of selecting an        image of one of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses, and    -   the image control unit emphatically displays an image of a        reproduction apparatus that is capable of constituting the        group, in response to the first operation.    -   (5) The information processing apparatus according to (4), in        which    -   the acceptance unit accepts a second operation of causing an        image of a non-constitution apparatus that is capable of        constituting the group to move in the group state image while        selecting the image of the non-constitution apparatus, the        non-constitution apparatus being a reproduction apparatus that        does not constitute the group, and    -   the image control unit displays, when a destination of the        second operation is an image of the reproduction apparatus that        is capable of constituting the group, an image of a group that        is newly constituted of the selected non-constitution apparatus        and the reproduction apparatus as the destination.    -   (6) The information processing apparatus according to (4) or        (5), in which    -   the acceptance unit accepts a second operation of causing an        image of a non-constitution apparatus that is capable of        constituting the group to move in the group state image while        selecting the image of the non-constitution apparatus, the        non-constitution apparatus being a reproduction apparatus that        does not constitute the group, and    -   the image control unit displays, when a destination of the        second operation is an image of a group that is already        established, an image of a group that is newly constituted of        the selected non-constitution apparatus and the reproduction        apparatus included in the group as the destination.    -   (7) The information processing apparatus according to any one        of (4) to (6), in which    -   the acceptance unit accepts a second operation of causing an        image of a non-constitution apparatus that is capable of        constituting the group to move in the group state image while        selecting the image of the non-constitution apparatus, the        non-constitution apparatus being a reproduction apparatus that        does not constitute the group, and    -   the image control unit causes, when a destination of the second        operation is a position where there is no image of another        reproduction apparatus, an image of the selected        non-constitution apparatus to move to the position.    -   (8) The information processing apparatus according to any one        of (4) to (7), in which    -   the acceptance unit accepts a second operation, an image of a        non-constitution apparatus that is capable of constituting the        group being selected and moved in the group state image in the        second operation, the non-constitution apparatus being a        reproduction apparatus that does not constitute the group, and    -   the image control unit returns, when a destination of the second        operation is an image of a reproduction apparatus that is not        capable of constituting the group, an image of the selected        non-constitution apparatus to its original position.    -   (9) The information processing apparatus according to any one        of (5) to (8), in which    -   the acceptance unit accepts a third operation of causing an        image of a group apparatus to move in the group state image        while selecting the image of the group apparatus, the group        apparatus being a reproduction apparatus that constitutes the        group, and    -   the image control unit displays, when a destination of the third        operation is a positon that is away from an image of the group        including the selected group apparatus, an image where the group        apparatus is withdrawn from the group.    -   (10) The information processing apparatus according to (9), in        which    -   the image control unit identifiably displays one of a plurality        of group apparatuses included in the group as a master        apparatus, and displays, when an image of the master apparatus        is selected and moved to the position that is away from the        image of the group by the third operation, an image where the        group is dissolved.    -   (11) The information processing apparatus according to (9) or        (10), in which    -   the acceptance unit accepts a fourth operation of selecting an        image of the group, and    -   the image control unit outputs a reproduction information image        including information related to reproduction of the content by        a plurality of group apparatuses included in the group, in        response to the fourth operation.    -   (12) The information processing apparatus according to (11), in        which    -   the reproduction information image includes information on        content that the plurality of group apparatuses are capable of        reproducing at the same time.    -   (13) The information processing apparatus according to any one        of (1) to (12), in which    -   the image control unit displays meta-information related to        content that is being reproduced by the plurality of group        apparatuses in the group state image.    -   (14) The information processing apparatus according to any one        of (1) to (13), in which    -   the acceptance unit is a touch panel, and    -   the group state image is displayed on the touch panel.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST

-   -   1 home network    -   10 reproduction apparatus    -   13 non-network apparatus    -   20 server apparatus    -   30 portable terminal    -   40 detection unit    -   41 image control unit    -   42 group control unit    -   50 group state image    -   51 icon image    -   56 group image    -   60 meta-information    -   70 reproduction information image    -   500 network system

1. An information processing apparatus, comprising: a detection unitthat is capable of detecting whether or not each of a plurality ofreproduction apparatuses constitutes a group related to reproduction ofcontent, each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses beingconnected to a network, each of the plurality of reproductionapparatuses being capable of reproducing the content; an acceptance unitthat accepts a user operation related to constitution of the group; andan image control unit that outputs a group state image on the basis of adetection result by the detection unit, the group state imagerepresenting a constitution state of the group, the group state imageincluding an image of each of the plurality of reproduction apparatuses,and controls the group state image in response to the accepted useroperation related to constitution of the group.